Independent thinking is the answer to
The curriculum i n s c h o o l s i s a h o t topic. I n the past weeks, plans have been revealed f or extra testing in year six and for changes that will continue Education Secretary Michael Gove’s drive towards a formalised approach to core learning.
In maths, there will be a return to concentrating on times tables and long division; in English, children at secondary level will be studying Shakespeare and there will be a focus on what Gove calls “our island history”.
In the independent sector, while academic standards are important, — reflected in high grades at GCSE and at A-level — there has also traditionally been an independence of spirit, a feeling that schools need rigour, but also an intuitive approach.
At St Albans School in Hertfordshire, this is reflected in the direction taken with GCSEs.
Headteacher Andrew Grant points out that while governments continue to tinker with the curriculum, as an independent school St Albans has the ability to choose a curriculum best suited to its own pupils, to advance both their academic learning and their personal development. This has led to the introduction of the International GCSE in a number of subjects. As Mr Grant says: “The IGCSE, though it is set by the same awarding bodies as GCSE, is immune from political or regulatory interference”.
The academic programme is supplemented by a full calendar of extracurricular activity including music and drama, the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and a partnership programme with local primary schools.
Mr Grant adds: “People would be astonished at how diverse, rich and full are the opportunities for personal development at the school. Pupils develop the soft skills we hear so much about and which, if employers are to be believed, are in short supply among graduates and school leavers.”
At St Helen’s School, in Northwood, the ability to think independently is instilled in pupils from an early age.
Headteacher Dr Mary Short explains: “A key aspect of our curriculum is the promotion of independent thinking, which begins with child-initiated learning activities in Little St Helen’s, our pre-prep department. It continues through junior school with active learning week — and into senior school, where all students enjoy activities such as the year nine enquiry project, in which girls undertake independent